AHLA

The hotel industry traditionally received reservations through calls, walk-ins and travel agencies. But more recently, at annual growth rates of 10-15%, technology aggregators have grown into a considerable force, with two online travel agencies (OTAs) representing a meaningful share of the domestic hotel business, particularly for leisure travelers.

With 500 online hotel bookings each minute, technology is transforming the way consumers book travel. With summer travel season underway and more than one-third of families planning a vacation this year, the digital marketplace must continue to prioritize consumer protection.

It is more important than ever for seniors to be informed about booking travel.

Folks are starting to make summer travel plans to their favorite vacation spots. And while making reservations online has become more common, so have online booking scams. These third-party websites take your money without making a reservation — leaving you without a place stay.

With support from the Rockefeller Foundation, World Wildlife Fund is collaborating with AH&LA to institutionalize food waste reduction in hotels nationwide.

Ashford is embracing technology to improve the guest experience. Realizing that smartphones are changing the way guests engage with hotels, we are responding.

Twenty years ago, OTAs represented innovation and progress. Today it’s a corporate duopoly, controlled by Expedia and Priceline.

With so many ways to book a reservation, rewards programs have become an effective way to build and strengthen relationships with guests. When guests book directly with hotels, hotel teams can build personal connections with guests – gaining a better understanding of their needs, accommodation preferences and wish lists.

Technology is transforming travel, and the hotel industry is morphing with the times to recognize the need to find new standards, conveniences and innovations to benefit guests.

With hotels and lodging supporting 8 million jobs and representing every congressional district, it’s important to engage stakeholders at all levels – and two recent examples illustrate how this strengthens our industry.